Hall of fame
Entering the Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed upon a WQA member. This award recognizes a lifetime of dedication and service to the water quality improvement industry and the association.
Francis j. desilva
ResinTech
Francis J. DeSilva has spent more than 45 years in the water treatment industry and currently serves as Technical Consultant and Dean of ResinTech University at ResinTech Inc., where he has worked for over 36 years. He holds a Master of Science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science Technology from the Florida Institute of Technology, and has authored numerous articles and spoken widely on ion exchange and water treatment topics. A two-time past president of the Pacific Water Quality Association, Frank has long been a leader in the industry and currently serves on the AWWA Ion Exchange Standards Committee. His many contributions have been recognized with honors including the WQA Regents Award and Key Award, along with multiple PWQA leadership and service awards.
lifetime member
Given to those individuals who have rendered exemplary service to the association and whose knowledge and accomplishments in the field of water quality entitle them to special recognition.
amanda moore, cws
Atlantic Filter Corporation
Amanda Moore, CWS, is General Manager of AO Smith North American Water Treatment / Atlantic Filter. Based in West Palm Beach, Florida, she has spent nearly three decades with the company and has built a long career advancing water treatment solutions and industry partnerships. Amanda has been a dedicated leader within the Water Quality Association, serving as President and contributing her time to the Membership Committee, education task forces, and the Women in Industry (WIN) initiative. She is also a past president of the Florida Water Quality Association and has previously been recognized with the WQA NextGen Award and the Key Award. Amanda is passionate about the role the water quality industry plays in improving water quality and expanding access to safe drinking water.
Key Award
Like receiving the key to a city, this award recognizes individuals who demonstrate the highest qualities of leadership within their company, industry, and various associations, as well as in local civic and community activities.
Judd larned
Culligan International Company
Judd Larned is President of Culligan’s North American business, where he leads product development, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution. He joined Culligan in 2013 and has played a key role in driving innovation and strengthening partnerships across the dealer network. Judd has also been an active leader within the Water Quality Association, serving on the Board of Directors and as WQA President. Prior to Culligan, he spent nearly 15 years as a management consultant with Bain & Company. He holds an MBA from Duke University and a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Michigan. Based in Chicago, Judd enjoys spending time with his family and is a dedicated Chicago sports and Michigan Wolverines fan.
Regents Award
Presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution at the state or local level in areas affecting the industry such as ethics, legislation, or educational efforts.
Norma lara
SoCal Water Solutions, LLC
Norma Lara is a water quality professional and industry leader with nearly 30 years of hands-on experience and the Founder and President of SoCal Water Solutions, a company serving California communities for more than two decades. Known for her field-first leadership style, she has led efforts in system evaluation, performance verification, and compliance-driven implementation, while also supporting public health initiatives that improve access to safer drinking water. Norma is passionate about mentoring the next generation of water professionals and advancing standards across the industry. Through her service on national and regional water quality boards, she champions education, accountability, and practical solutions that create meaningful community impact.
Jeff knedler
Hempy Water Conditioning, Inc.
Jeff Knedler is CEO and President of Hempy Water Conditioning, Inc., a company that has grown from a small-town operation into a leading provider of water treatment solutions across Ohio. With more than 20 years of experience, he has helped expand the company while maintaining a focus on service, innovation, and community impact. Jeff has been an active industry leader, serving as past President of the Ohio Water Quality Association and as a longtime board member. He also contributes to the Water Quality Association through the Certification Committee. He has led efforts such as developing one of the nation’s first Mobile Water Labs to support community education, while also advocating at the state and national level, including introducing House Bill 572 in Ohio and advancing solutions for small water systems across the state.
Ray Cross Award
In honor of Ray E. Cross, Water Specialist Emeritus and Past President of WCAI 1960, this special award recognizes a current or former WQA member whose pioneer spirit and unwavering commitment has made a notable difference in the water treatment industry and has not been previously honored with the Hall of Fame or Lifetime Member Award.
Paul Friot, MWS, CI, CST, CWR
Get Water Answers
Paul Friot is a nationally recognized water treatment professional with more than 50 years of experience in the industry. He holds multiple WQA certifications, including MWS, CI, CST, and CWR, and has remained deeply committed to advancing water quality education and standards throughout his career. Paul is the owner of Get Water Answers, a consulting firm based in Florida, where he serves as an independent advocate helping homeowners navigate water quality challenges. He has made a lasting impact through education and industry service, including teaching certification courses for WQA and contributing to key technical and regulatory efforts. A longtime volunteer and former Regent, Paul has supported initiatives ranging from certification standards to industry best practices, and holds a U.S. patent for arsenic removal that reflects his commitment to safer water.
Award of Merit
This award recognizes exceptional service given to the water quality improvement industry.
Deepak Rao
Pentair Water Purification
Deepak Rao is Group President at Pentair and has spent more than 36 years in the water treatment industry, including over 20 years with Pentair in global leadership roles. He has led residential water treatment initiatives and brings international experience across India, Singapore, China, and the United States. Currently serving on the WQRF Board, he has played a key role in advancing innovation within the industry. Deepak began his career as a technical service engineer and progressed through roles in process design, sales, and general management. He has extensive experience across residential and commercial markets, with earlier work at GE Water and in industrial water treatment supporting industries such as power, petrochemicals, and electronics.
Irma Bishop, MWS
Wichita Water Conditioning Inc. dba Hall’s Culligan Water
Irma Bishop, MWS, is Chief Operating Officer at Hall’s Culligan, a company that has grown from a single dealership in Wichita, Kansas, to more than 45 locations nationwide. With over 11 years at the company, she has played a key role in supporting operations that serve customers across 12 states through strong local, corporate, and international resources. Irma has held leadership roles across the industry, including serving on the WQA Board of Directors and contributing to the Membership Committee, Women in Industry (WIN), and the Professional Certification Committee. She is also a past President of the Pacific Water Quality Association and has held leadership positions throughout her career, bringing a strong operational and strategic perspective to the water quality industry.
Honorary Member Award
Given to an individual whose contributions to mankind, through research, education, or exemplary service related to water quality, are meritorious.
Randy Pollack
White Brenner LLP
Randy Pollack is a seasoned government and regulatory affairs professional specializing in lobbying and strategic advocacy for businesses and trade associations in California. With experience in both the Governor’s Office and the Legislature, Randy brings a deep understanding of the state’s political and regulatory landscape. He has long represented the Water Quality Association and the Pacific Water Quality Association, leading California advocacy efforts and serving as a trusted voice on water quality, safe drinking water, and sustainable treatment solutions across the state.
Next Gen Award
This award is presented to individuals at or under 40 years of age who have demonstrated a commitment to the betterment of the water treatment industry.
Justin Mest, CWS
Master Water Conditioning Corp.
Justin Mest, CWS, is a Product Applications Specialist at A. O. Smith, a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial water treatment equipment. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Justin has spent nearly five years with the company, supporting product development and application solutions across the industry. He brings a strong technical background and has been actively involved with the Water Quality Association, including serving as Chair of the WQRF Grant Task Force and contributing to multiple technical initiatives. Justin is passionate about the evolving challenges of water quality and applying innovative solutions across the industry.
Randy Cripe
Hawkins Water Tech., Inc.
Randy Cripe is President of Hawkins Water Tech Inc., a water treatment dealership serving Northern Indiana with residential, commercial, and industrial solutions. Based in Middlebury, Indiana, he has led the company for five years and brings a strong background in business and leadership. Randy is an active leader within the Water Quality Association, serving as Chair of the Thrive Council and as a member of the Rise Council. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he is passionate about mentoring young professionals and helping shape the next generation of the water quality industry.
Justin Brazelton, CWS
Wichita Water Conditioning Inc. dba Hall’s Culligan Water
Justin Brazelton, CWS, is Chief Revenue Officer at Hall’s Culligan Water, a multi-state provider of residential and commercial water treatment solutions headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. With more than 20 years at the company, he has held leadership roles across routes, sales, and operations, helping drive growth and performance across the organization. Justin is actively involved with the Water Quality Association, contributing to the Certification, Dealer, and Business Operations Committees. He is passionate about team development and believes that training and certification are key to building knowledgeable teams and delivering a more professional customer experience.
Excellence Award
The WQA Excellence Award honors member companies for demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of others through the betterment of water quality. The Excellence Award is presented in two categories: Manufacturer/Supplier/Retailer and Dealer.
Fresh water system
Dealer
Founded in 1989, Fresh Water Systems is dedicated to improving access to clean, reliable water. What began with installing water coolers has grown into a nationwide provider of water filtration solutions, including early adoption of e-commerce and the development of the Pharmate™ system for healthcare and pharmacy applications. Now celebrating more than 35 years in business, the company operates distribution centers in Utah and South Carolina, delivering products and support across the continental United States.
Recognized with the WQA Excellence Award, Fresh Water Systems is committed to making a meaningful impact beyond its products. Through partnerships with local organizations, the company supports environmental restoration efforts and community initiatives that protect vital water resources. Their hands-on approach brings employees and volunteers together to address real needs, reinforcing a long-standing commitment to service, sustainability, and the communities they serve.
EcoWater Systems
Manufacturer
EcoWater Systems has spent more than 100 years focused on improving lives through better water. Founded in 1925, the company has grown into a global leader in residential and commercial water treatment, developing innovative solutions that deliver cleaner, safer, and better-tasting water while supporting long-term sustainability. With a strong network of independent dealers across North America, EcoWater combines national expertise with local insight to address real-world water quality challenges.
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, EcoWater launched the 100 for 100 program, a dealer-led initiative that provided water treatment systems to individuals, families, and organizations in need. By empowering local dealers to identify and support communities directly, the program created meaningful, on-the-ground impact while reinforcing EcoWater’s long-standing commitment to service, partnership, and improving lives through better water.